Early Rover gearbox versus T5

[Leckypete]

How do the early gearboxes compare with the T5, suppose the T5 is better or they wouldnt have changed?
Is the shift quality much worse, would a driver notice or are they similar/same in operation just the T5 is maybe stronger?

Have heart set on post facelift but dont know whether to discount an early car, i have sold my classic and dont know if cover available for under 20 years old on classic insurance?

Just wondering as really want a post facelift 450 but if insurance is much less on a classic policy then maybe worth considering, especially if the drive isnt that much different?

[QBee]

All I know about the LT 77 gearbox is that a friend who as bought a 1992 car is trying to find a T5 box to swap in.
I think you can tell an LT77 because reverse is up and left. On a T5 it's down and right.

[Chilliman]

I believe the switch from LT77 to T5 was as much to do with availability of new units as anything else... The LT77 had been around since the Rover SD1 which I think was around '76...

[SILICONEKID346HP]

The LT77 is better for cruising ,lower RPM.

[carsy]

Theres some that prefer the lt77 others the T5. Dont be put off by the fact its an lt77, theres nowt wrong with them and contrary to belief the later boxes ie those in Chims and Griffs can handle decent power. Drive the car and if the box feels ok you should be fine. Remeber T5`s are not indestructable.

[Sardonicus]

carsy said:

Theres some that prefer the lt77 others the T5. Dont be put off by the fact its an lt77, theres nowt wrong with them and contrary to belief the later boxes ie those in Chims and Griffs can handle decent power. Drive the car and if the box feels ok you should be fine. Remeber T5`s are not indestructable.

+1 I actually like a well maintained 77 slick as you like IMO, I have the T5.

[swallet]

With regards to insurance I wouldn't worry - you can still insure the latter cars as classics.


I have had a '98 450 and now a '97 500 both were on a classic car policy. Not sure on post 2000 cars though.

Approx £300 pa (2000 miles limit, 33 years professional, rural location, no points, second car)

[TV8]

My last car was one of the early ones and had the Rover box. Much better ratios in my opinion than the T5. If you get one, put some Diflock (brand) oil in it and it will drive lovely.

[zacherynuk]

QBee said:

On a T5 it's down and right.

On a T5 it's right and up AND THEN down and right...

[spend]

zacherynuk said:

QBee said:

On a T5 it's down and right.

On a T5 it's right and up AND THEN down and right...

You forgot put it all the way across in first a couple of times as well....

When you've seen the stick drop straight down into the box, then discover the T5 spaghetti / cantilever / Heath Robinson linkage you will wonder "WHY?"

[Sardonicus]

spend said:

You forgot put it all the way across in first a couple of times as well....

When you've seen the stick drop straight down into the box, then discover the T5 spaghetti / cantilever / Heath Robinson linkage you will wonder "WHY?"

Hence the reason I found the 77 slick then Dave and considering I have been spoilt by 70's Ford 4 speeds where nothing shifts as nice

[Oldred_V8S]

This has been done on here before. From the looks of it you won't get a clear answer; some prefer the LT77 others the T5, with the same accusations thrown at both types of box.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[QBee]

Both are notchy compared with a nice slick modern box. I missed third on my T5 at Santa Pod, after waiting two hours for my turn. My friend who wants to change his LT77 for a T5 does so because he kept missing gears at Snetterton.